looking goood on thurs....prob headn up to SHESaBLOWIN' w Greg to meet Jens and Madison Greg but Keegs shld be thumpin' as well. The SILO in Lake Forest at Green Bay Rd and 176 has a fabulous pizza menu, ck it out if you want some killer pies. It's on the way back, and well worth the effort to find, my favorite is the deep dish veggie with a creamed spinach base, but they have some really different combinations.....

I'm thinking of getting there right around 2:30 - 3:30. I gotta pick up Mike Z in Evanston. Wind should be there all day and peak in the afternoon some time. Can't wait! I'm bringing some beers and a cooler too. I hope it's an all day event.

Hey, I've just graduated from college on Sunday and I'm out in Aurora. Quite frankly I have no money for lessons on water. I'm very experienced on land. Is there any way I can teach myself at the keegs while staying out of the way, but still staying safe? I know the etiquette etc, but have simply never kites on water. I can also wakeboard quite well. Any advice?

kitekid21 wrote:Hey, I've just graduated from college on Sunday and I'm out in Aurora. Quite frankly I have no money for lessons on water. I'm very experienced on land. Is there any way I can teach myself at the keegs while staying out of the way, but still staying safe? I know the etiquette etc, but have simply never kites on water. I can also wakeboard quite well. Any advice?

Get a job, save some money, take some lessons?

Is it worth creating a problem if there is a solution to avoid the problem?

I think there are plenty of instructors around....

and IMO the sport is beyond the crossroads where everyone getting into the sport should take lessons.

The more well trained beginners there are the less likelihood that there will be problems with access.

If you have land kiting in your portfolio you should be well equipped to take it to the water. You do not elaborate on how much time you have spent with the kite, but if your kite skills and knowledge of launching and landing are proficient you should be good to go. There should be plenty of room on the beach since it is a thursday, so just bring your gear and I am sure there will be people around to give you a hand if questions arise. The forecast looks to be quite windy, in excess of 25mph, so it is not the best day to make your first excursion on the water, so keep that in mind. If your looking at 30plus you maybe wise to just be a spectator unless you have the gear and skill set to handle these extremes. The water temp will still be low 50's, so the combination of winds and cold will require a high level of experience, do not be lured in by warm air temp, there will be many more beautiful days without the extremes of tomorrow. Stay safe.